74-Year-Old Cathy Shirk Leaves Behind Legacy of Love
Catherine Elaine 'Cathy' Shirk, a devoted wife and mother of four, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at age 74. Born in 1952 to Robert Leo and Alma Annette Peddenpohl, Cathy grew into an intelligent and fiercely independent woman with a loyal heart.
She met her husband, David C. Shirk, two years before marrying him on September 18, 1976. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just two weeks before Cathy's passing. She worked at Procter & Gamble for many years before retiring in 2017.
Cathy's greatest pride was her family, and she spent countless hours with her grandchildren Luke, Anna, Jay, and Julia. Her beloved dog, Maggie, also held a special place in her heart. In honor of Cathy's love of bright colors, the family invites friends to wear pink, her favorite color, to her service.
A celebration of Cathy's life will be held at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory on October 10, 2026, with a brief personal service beginning at 5:00 p.m. and a gathering at her daughter's home following the service.